School's Out for Summer!

It’s the time of year in New England where schools are closing and the kids are coming home for the summer.

In my view, it’s one of the best times with children.  It’s all about a relaxed schedule:

• While homework is important, and a major part of a child’s education, getting homework completed can be challenging.  Some kids just won’t to homework, creating mini-Chernobyl discussions around the house.  At other times, the sheer volume of homework is excessive.  Most of the time the homework load is reasonable, an hour or two a day.  Toss in a couple projects, and homework time can swell.
• Getting kids out the door in the morning often takes on a different pace.  While there are often commitments, it always seems a little less frantic than during the school year.
• Spending time with kids  In the summer, the homework time can be replaced with parent time.  Playing catch in the yard, watching baseball on TV or in person, making BBQ together (especially corn on the cob)…it’s all special times.
• Bed time – bed times are often pushed out, giving more family time
• Home projects – home projects can be fun with the assistance of children.  Not massive projects, just little ones.  Like planting a section of flowers, or re-decking a deck.  I never found a deck painting/staining effort an older child couldn’t help with (with supervision.)  It helps the child learn a sense of responsibility and share an accomplishment.

All in all, summer with children can be fabulous.  Enjoy!!

What do you do with children in the summer you find special?